Do you have a big project coming up? As utility workers, we sometimes find ourselves saying “I could really use another set of hands on this project.” What if you could get a skilled, professional, and highly diligent worker on the project for little to no cost to your utility? The Iowa Economic Development Authority has teamed up with the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council to provide externships for Iowa teachers at Iowa utilities for little to no cost to the host utility. Hosts are encouraged to cost share the expense of the STEM Teacher Extern through a tax-deductible donation for up to half the cost or $3,000. In an effort to generate more interest in Energy Sector Externships there is an Iowa Economic Development Authority Grant to help with the host cost share.
 
To learn more about this great opportunity join IAMU and Iowa STEM Externship Coordinator Ann Gritzner for an informational webinar on November 15th 10AM – 11AM. Register by clicking HERE!
 
The Iowa STEM Teacher Externships Program aims to build bridges between Iowa’s workplaces and STEM educators across the state by having teachers work at local businesses, organizations, and other workplaces alongside knowledgeable and skilled employees for six weeks during the summer.

Iowa STEM Teacher Externships are full-time professional development experiences that operate during six weeks in the summer. The Host will identify a hands-on project that contributes to an organization’s bottom line. A flexible work schedule may be negotiated between the Workplace Hosts and STEM Teacher Externs. STEM Teacher Externs must devote 200-240 hours at the Workplace Host site to complete the experience.

Since the program launched in 2009, over 850 Teacher Externs have worked at more than 250 Iowa workplaces, building long-lasting school-business partnerships across Iowa that provide educators with the ability to improve student STEM experiences and career knowledge.
 
The Iowa STEM Teacher Externship Program is a great opportunity to spread the word about Iowa Municipal Utilities to educators and students. Each Teacher Externship experience is different and matched to the interest of the Host and the Extern.

IAMU member Muscatine Power and Water hosted Lone Tree Teacher and Extern Jessica Howard. Learn more about their story below:
Jessica collaborated with Muscatine Power and Water’s (MPW) HR and Marketing departments helping with projects including the Customer Appreciation Day event, Employee Recognition Programs, and exploring the different departments at MPW. From water, power, communications, and internet, MPW allowed for a unique experience for Jessica to explore and bring back to her classroom. Specifically working on helping different departments bring their education for customers to fruition, creating custom designs, and working across organizational boundaries to help fulfill needs. Here is what Jessica has to say about her time with MPW: “My experience at Muscatine Power & Water was phenomenal. I probably would not have chosen that as one of my top picks for an Externship without the push and I am so glad the IEDA Grant gave me that push! I have so many applicable skills and insights into future jobs and the future of our energy sources that I wouldn't have had if I wasn't able to be at MPW. In my classroom, I have used the real-life engineering skills that I learned firsthand from MPW engineers to teach and educate my students, as well as, looking at industry trends and job opportunities. MPW has been amazing at welcoming my students into their company as well as supporting my classroom by visiting and providing resources and information.
 
And here is what Extern Host, Muscatine Power and Water had to say about the experience. “We loved having Ms. Howard with us, not one, but TWO summers. We wanted more opportunities to take our work to the schools but struggled developing content geared towards students. Jess learned from us and used her skills to develop that content with us. Very highly recommend the extern program to other employers! These partnerships are important and beneficial to both parties.”
 
Below are a few informational PDF's:
 
Event Flyer
 
Iowa STEM Teach Externship Timeline
 
Additional Information

Iowa DOT and its partners have developed a draft notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) that will be used to disburse federal NEVI formula funds within the state. The final NOFO will be the mechanism to solicit applications and ultimately select funding recipients to support the roll-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure along interstate alternative fuel corridors.

Because this is a first of its kind program within Iowa, Iowa DOT and its partners are distributing draft NOFO documents for comment and feedback from potential applicants and stakeholders. Specifically, we are looking for feedback on the content and requirements outlined in the draft NOFO. Iowa DOT will review all feedback received and make any amendments to the NOFO as necessary before putting the final NOFO out for full advertisement in the coming weeks. Iowa DOT will not be posting the feedback received nor will we be responding directly to questions or feedback. 
 
You can view the draft NOFO document here: Iowa-NEVI-NOFO-draft.pdf (iowadot.gov).

Iowa DOT will be receiving comments for 14 days, until November 2, 2023. To submit a comment, email iowa.evplan@iowadot.us and include “NOFO Feedback” in the subject line. 

For more information on the Iowa EV Plan, visit Iowa Electric Vehicle Plan - Overview (iowadot.gov). 

Water and wastewater members: Registration is open, plan to attend the annual Water and Wastewater Operators Training Workshop which will be held Nov. 28 – 30.
The workshop will take place at Prairie Meadows – The Meadows Events Center in Altoona.
 
This three-day workshop is geared toward water and wastewater professionals wanting practical information to help them do their jobs. There will be both basic and advanced topic for water treatment, water distribution, and wastewater. Attendees can earn 1.2 CEUs toward certification.
 
For more information or to register as an attendee or vendor, visit the event webpage on the IAMU website.
 
The early registration deadline is November 10.